It's good to be with you on this important milestone, and I salute you for not taking this accomplishment for granted.
I acknowledge each one of you here, as the daughters and sons of a loving God. Thank you Fr. Rodger for the privilege.
The Day that changed my life — surviving — the miracle on the Hudson. There I am on the left wing arriving and we missed the mark — some of my professors used to say that to me. I'd like to point out that they had to leave their comfortable seats — their comfort zones — in order to survive, to live. Life many times calls us to leave our comfort zones, so that we might embrace life more fully. Jesus said: "I came so you may have life". This crash a year ago inspired those people to fulfill delayed dreams. The article goes on to provide accounts of people who were putting things off — because they felt they still had time. One such couple who delayed having children (she was a VP of a department store) announced to her husband that she was quitting her well-paying job to begin a family. (1549 flight) Another shocked her husband two days after the crash and began proceedings to adopt a baby. Another who was interested in this lovely lady before the flight, but was too shy to 'approach' but now they are together. The day that changed my life. So what are you waiting for? So many folks are stuck with old tapes THAT THEY HEARD A LONG TIME AGO, and we will never hear their song, their message — how sad? You must be like the Irishman who stumbled out of the bar somewhat inebriated and wishing for a short journey home went into the graveyard and fell into a newly dug grave. When he awoke next morning a bright sun greeted him and he said, very positively I might add: 'my GOD ITS THE LAST DAY AND I'M THE FIRST GUY UP'.
(Sing: Awake from your slumber arise from your sleep, a new day is dawning for all those who weep, the people in darkness have seen a great light, the Lord of our longing has conquered the night. Let us build the city of God, may our tears be turning into dancing, for the Lord, our light and our love has turned the night into day'. )
A Crude Awakening — when bad things happened to the Jewish people, the prophets always told them they had forgotten God and his covenant — we've had the Gulf Oil disaster — I hope you are all praying constantly for that — and then the terrible scandal that has sent our church reeling — We have made technology our God — we have become enamored. The great Rabbi/mystic Abraham Herschel in his classic statement said: "If God is not of supreme importance, He is of no importance. You mission statement reads as follows; We are the family of the stable joined together sacramentally in Jesus Christ, sharing our skills and abilities across the world to nourish all human hungers. We continually renew our energies by celebrating around the table of the Lord and grow to be more effective ministers in the name of Jesus".
Fr. David Russell in founding this parish wisely formed a non- territorial parish — a community without walls. Ten days ago I happened to pick up the Smithsonian magazine for June '06 and I perused an article on the fall of the Berlin WALL. During the Berlin Wall the doctors frequently diagnosed what they called 'wall sickness". a lot of what is going on in our world today can be traced to 'wall sickness' — what's in it for me. Our gifts are given to us according to Paul for the common good — the second commandment, if you prefer. We need to get the 'walls' out of our heads. Our first reading from 2 Samuel — the great king David built a wall, but then regretted it — he admitted that he was guilty, and repented. The woman in today's gospel did not utter a word but her actions spoke eloquently of her humility and remorse. Simon put up a wall, — Jesus praise her love and faith Res. Lord forgive the wrong I have done." Paul in the second reading: "I live no longer I BUT Christ lives in me', in so far as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who have loved me and given himself up for me." Simon I have something to say to you: Two people were in debt. One owed 500 denarii and the other owed 50 denarii. Which of them will love the moneylender more?
Simon answered: "The one I suppose whose larger debt was forgiven."
Jesus said, "You have judged rightly. " So I tell you: Many sins have been forgiven. Hence, she has been shown great love. He said to the women: "Your faith has saved you."
We conclude with this prayer: Jesus you are all I have, you give me all I need. My life is in Your hands. |
